Best Pet Insurance for Icelandic Sheepdogs
The Icelandic Sheepdog is Iceland's only native dog breed, descended from dogs brought to Iceland by Norse settlers over 1,000 years ago. Compact, friendly, and inquisitive with a curled tail and pricked ears, the Icelandic Sheepdog herded sheep, cattle, and horses in Iceland's challenging terrain. They are famously exuberant and people-oriented — often called 'the dog that greets you with a wagging tail and never stops.' Nearly wiped out in the late 19th century by disease and government-imposed restrictions, the breed was carefully revived by Icelandic and international breeders. Recognized by the AKC in 2010, they remain rare but devoted fans describe them as the perfect family dog.
Best Pet Insurance for Icelandic Sheepdogs (Ranked)
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Score Breakdown
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Icelandic Sheepdog Health Risks & Conditions
Understanding your Icelandic Sheepdog's specific health risks helps you choose the right coverage.
Hip Dysplasia
moderate riskHip dysplasia is among the conditions included in the Icelandic Sheepdog Association of America's recommended health testing. OFA hip evaluation is recommended before breeding. Treatment ranges from conservative management with anti-inflammatories, joint supplements, and controlled exercise ($500–$1,500/year) for mild cases, to FHO surgery ($1,500–$3,000) or total hip replacement ($4,500–$7,000) for severe bilateral dysplasia. Physical rehabilitation therapy ($100–$200/session) improves outcomes for surgical patients.
Patellar Luxation
moderate riskPatellar luxation is included in ISAA recommended health testing for breeding dogs. The kneecap intermittently dislocates from its groove, causing lameness ranging from mild skipping to persistent non-weight-bearing. Grade I–II cases are managed conservatively; Grade III–IV require surgical correction ($1,500–$5,000 per knee). Routine patellar evaluation at annual wellness visits catches progression before it becomes severe.
Hereditary Cataracts
moderate riskHereditary cataracts — distinct from age-related lens changes — have been documented in Icelandic Sheepdogs and are included in the ISAA's recommended health testing. CAER annual ophthalmological examinations ($150–$300) monitor for lens opacity. When cataracts become visually significant, phacoemulsification surgery ($1,500–$4,000 per eye) can restore vision effectively. DNA testing for known hereditary cataract mutations ($100–$150) is available for breeding stock.
Cryptorchidism
moderate riskCryptorchidism — failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum — has been noted as a concern in male Icelandic Sheepdogs. Undescended testicles have a significantly elevated risk of cancer (Sertoli cell tumors, seminomas) and torsion. Surgical removal of the retained testicle(s) at the time of neutering is strongly recommended ($400–$1,500 depending on whether the testicle is inguinal or abdominal). Retained testicles should never be left in place.
Distichiasis
moderate riskDistichiasis — abnormally positioned eyelashes that grow from the eyelid margin and contact the cornea — has been identified in Icelandic Sheepdogs. The condition causes ocular irritation, tearing, and corneal abrasion. Mild cases may not require treatment; symptomatic cases require cryotherapy or electrolysis of the aberrant follicles ($300–$1,000) or surgical correction ($500–$2,000). CAER ophthalmological exams at annual wellness visits detect the condition early.
What to Look for in Icelandic Sheepdog Pet Insurance
The Icelandic Sheepdog has a range of hereditary conditions documented by the breed club — cataracts, patellar luxation, and hip dysplasia being the most significant. Key insurance priorities: (1) Eye condition coverage including hereditary cataracts and surgical treatment; (2) Orthopedic coverage for patellar luxation and hip dysplasia; (3) Hereditary condition coverage broadly — the ISAA's comprehensive health testing list reflects real breed risks. Embrace and Healthy Paws both cover hereditary conditions without breed exclusions and are well-suited to a generally healthy breed with specific inherited risks.
Icelandic Sheepdog Quick Stats
Common Icelandic Sheepdog Health Conditions
All Providers Ranked for Icelandic Sheepdogs
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Icelandic Sheepdogs. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Consider alternatives with stronger hereditary condition coverage for Icelandic Sheepdogs.
Consider alternatives with stronger hereditary condition coverage for Icelandic Sheepdogs.